The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-08-27

gorgeously arrayed as wild lily. If, then,
GoD so adorns the heritage of the fields that
withers so soon and becomes fit only for
| fuel, much more will he clothe you" Only
| those of feeble faith" could doubt this prov
idential care in the face of such examples.
Greed of gain with anxiety for the necessi-
ties and comforts of life is practical unbe-
| lief and idolatry. BE not" he continues,
like the idolatrous Gentiles, who anxiously
seek these things, but trust your heavenly
Father who knows your every need, and who
has provided through faithful diligence and
prudence on your part an abundant supply"
Instead of anxiously seeking the things to
eat and drink and wear, the disciples were
instructed to seek first, or above all, the
righteousness and reign of GoD the heavenly
Father who knew, and would through their
faithful obedience of righteous law supply
all their needs. "These things" would be
''added," not without labor, but without
anniety. ALI needed earthly blessings and
comforts are included in the privileges of the
kingdom of heaven. The Christian is not
only fervent in spirit, but diligent in bust
ness, serving the Lord. He sows and plants,
cultivates and waters in perfect confidence
that GoD will give the increase. Serving
Mammon one may gain wealth and miss the
kingdom of heaven-the righteousness, peace
and joy in the Holy Spirit, degrade the noble
qualities of manhood, and lose the higher
comforts and joys of living. The servant of
GoD will be abundantly supplied with all nee
essary earthly comforts, and possess through
faith and righteousness peace of soul. which
the world can neither give nor take away.
Righteousness of heart and life, to be sought
in obedience to the Divine law, is of first i'm
portance, and should be the first and chief
aim of life which when attained will include
all desirable objects of earthly endeavor.
The teaching of JESUS does not forbid care
full forethought, but encourages wise and
comprehensive provision, and thoughtful dill
gence. 1t sets forth one supreme object of
human endeavor, which includes provision
of all needful things, and fully satisfies the
noblest ambition, and hottest desires. The
conclusion of JESUS teaching contained in the
Lesson, is an injunction against anxiety for
the future. "Be not anxious about the NOR
row, for to morrow will bring its own cares"
If we anticipate them we uselessly add to
the burdens of to day, and each day has its
own sufficient duties and trials. feeble
faith is indicated by the tendency to "borrow
trouble" The faithless soul is constantly in
dread of future evils that never come. The
worst misfortunes are those which never ar
rive, says a familiar proverb. The best pro-
vision for the future is a strong and abiding
faith in COP the heavenly Father that prompts
to faithfulness in life and duty. Such faith
and faitbfulness does not discourage the ex-
ercise of prudent forethought, but encour-
ages confidence and hope.
| fair and reasonable Interpretation of
CHRIsT's words does not forbid forethought
| or provision for the future, i. it does
| forbid as essentially unchristian, all making
| or acquisition and accumulation of wealth
| the object of life. In brief this passage
| offers cure of care by forbidding its real
| cause, divided heart and life, and of point
| ing to the true remedy, moderate desires,
| and trust in COP for their qualification
| Abbotts Commentary.
He does not forbid our desiring or seeking
| temporal good; but says it must always be
| held as secondary and subordinate. to be OBJ
| tanned as minor consequence of the pursuit
of a higher aim.-Dr. Broodus, "Commenta-
| ry on Matthew"
! He enjoins not idle indifference and even
ness of temper, but the freedom from care of
sonl which firmly trusts in the Providence
of God. The citizens of the New Kingdom
| might we'll confide in their heavenly Father,
| and amidst all the trials and straits even of
such martyrdom as had been predicted for
them, might and should retain calm and un-
shaken confidence in the sustaining and
guiding wisdom and love of GoD.-Dr.
Gielsie, "Life and Words of Christ"
The true Christian is self-denying, indus
trious, prudent, provident; his pleasures,
| grand and satisfying as they are, are far less
| costly than those of the worldly; and though
he may not acquire wealth, he may cast all
his anxieties upon the LORD who takes care
of him." Having sought and found the Di-
vine Kingdom, food and raiment were added.
We need to be more anxious about our
characters, than about anything outward; if
these are pure and good, everything outward
will be of relatively little importance.-Dr.
| Demarest, S. s. Helper, February, 1880.